Memorial for state mining activist set for Oct. 14

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The Keepers of the Mountains Foundation will hold a public memorial service for late mountaintop removal mining activist Larry Gibson.Friends and supporters are invited to the Oct. 14 event, set for 2-6 p.m. at the Charleston Municipal Auditorium.Gibson died of a heart attack Sept. 9 at his home on Kayford Mountain in Raleigh County. He was 66.He spoke with national and local media about the destructive form of strip mining for years, becoming one of the best known opponents.

He started the foundation in 2004.Gibson protected his family's 50 acres from mining and was buried there in a private service Sept. 13.The Changing of the Leaves Music Festival will be held there at 1 p.m. on Oct. 13, the day before the memorial service.